Westminster United Church A Blue Christmas Service December 21, 2016, 7 p.m.

Rev. Sherri McConnell, Minister Don Menzies, Organist

Nathan Poole, Director of Music in Worship

PRELUDE

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

CALL TO WORSHIP The eternal God is your dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms.[Deut. 33.27] As a mother comforts her child, so you comfort us, O God; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem; as a father has compassion for his children,[Ps. 103:13] so the Lord is compassionate and merciful.[Is. 66:13]

HYMN VU 55 In The Bleak Midwinter

PRAYER OF APPROACH God of comfort and compassion, We come to you this evening,

aware of the shadows in our light, and the tears

in the tinsel of Christmas preparations Hear our prayers:

for ourselves, our families, our friends

and for all who may be lost and lonely. We ask for strength for today,

courage for tomorrow, and peace for the past.

We pray through Christ who takes on our weariness. Amen.

A TIME OF SCRIPTURE AND REFLECTION

READING: LUKE 1:26-34 REFLECTION …. And who knew how would Joseph react? This is an experience that would change her to the core of her being. All: We all have times when we can see ourselves in Mary’s story. Life is planned. We have a sense of direction and purpose, and then something happens. And then everything turns upside down, and we are filled with a

sense of doubt, uncertainty, and a sense of life being out of control. And in our disbelief, we call out, “Why did this happen? How did this happen? And why me, why us, why now?”

…… And in quiet reflection, our hearts can open, and God’s light can shine in, and a new path can emerge. All: Into our disbelief light shines…the light of hope. (candle is lit)

READING: Luke 1:35-38 REFLECTION ……But for now, all she could do was put one foot in front of the other, and keep going.

All: We all have times when we can see ourselves in Mary’s story. Life happens. Sometimes we make decisions or choices, or judge incorrectly, and end up in a place we don’t recognize. Sometimes we don’t even make the decisions or the changes – they happen to us. Through death and loss and brokenness, we end up in places we don’t recognize or want to be in. And then we find ourselves wandering and lost, in unfamiliar territory and uncertain terrain, fearing the road we see ahead. Leader: …... we put one foot in front of the other, and slowly find our way forward. All: Into our vulnerability light shines…the light of peace. (candle is lit)

READING: LUKE 1:39-56 REFLECTION

...and offer friendship and hospitality for as long as Mary needs it. All: We all have times when we can see ourselves in Mary’s story. ….and that by God’s grace we can step out in hope and faith, and face whatever lies before us. All: Into our loneliness and insecurity light shines…the light of Compassion. (candle is lit)

…..the promise of faith - that God with us, we are not alone, Thanks be to God. All: Into our lives light shines….the light of faith. (candle is lit) Oh come Emmanuel, God with us. Thanks be to God, now and forever. Amen.

DUET Angel's Carol music and words by John Rutter given by Rebecca McIntosh and Lynlee Wolstencroft

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING & CONCERN O Christ, who wept at the grave of a dear friend, hear our prayers for all who mourn today;

that, with them we may weep for the sadness of life’s endings. In the shadows, may Your light shine. O Christ, who promised a dying one the gift of heaven in your presence,hear our prayers for all who face death;

that they may be unafraid to enter the mystery of light and life in your eternal love.

In the shadows, may Your light shine. O Christ, who prayed alone in the garden of Gethsemane, afraid and despairing,

hear our prayers for all who feel loneliness, sadness or despair that they may know they are not alone, that you are always with them.

In the shadows, may Your light shine. O Christ, who forgave those who had done harm to you, hear our prayers for all who seek forgiveness, and all who need forgiveness,

that all may know your compassion and assurance. In the shadows, may Your light shine. Give us your peace, O Christ, and unite us with one another, and with you. Grant us strength for each day, courage to reach out as we need to, and the daring to pray always. Gently nudge us along our path, and into your future, in hope and faith in your eternal presence in our midst…. In the shadows, may Your light shine.

RITUAL OF CANDLE LIGHTING

HYMN VU 67 Silent Night, Holy Night

BENEDICTION: May God bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May God look on you with kindness and give you peace. Amen.

POSTLUDE Following the service you are welcome to remain

for refreshments and a time of fellowship